News

Congratulations to Matthew Watson

Matthew Watson has qualified as a solicitor this month after undertaking a two year training contract at Butcher & Barlow. Matt will continue to be based at the firm’s Bramhall office working along side Partners Justin Kelly and Robert Morris, and solicitor Nicola Wingfield.

We took Matt for a celebratory cup of tea and piece of cake and gave him the mandatory grilling necessary of all newly qualified solicitors!

Congratulations Matt on your qualification. All that hard work has finally paid off.

Yes! When I was studying my law degree at Lancaster, the time that I would ever actually practise real law seemed a long way off. It felt a little more within my grasp whilst I was undertaking the Legal Practise Course at the University of Law, Chester since the purpose of the course is to teach law in practise. Nothing however prepares you for life in a law firm though, and the variety of work that you undertake even within your own practice area.

What do you specialise in?

I specialise in Residential and Commercial property, and Private Client work, so Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney etc.

What do you enjoy about the areas you work in?

What drew me to law as a profession was the sheer size of law and its impact on day to day life, meaning that it is a necessary profession. This is so very true in my specialist areas. And I thrive on the client contact I have every hour of the day. Very rarely 10 minutes will pass without me speaking to a client. My work is also varied, from emotional probates which involve finding heirs, to helping an elderly client to write their Will. Added with the excitement of client’s moving house and succeeding to meet their choice of completion date.

Every day is a busy day for you then! What is a typical working day?

It takes me 50 minute drive to Bramhall and when I arrive I’ll have a coffee to wake me up a little more! I’ll check my emails and any appointments lined up in my diary. Client’s will often email over night so I have to see what has come in and deal with associated work in order of priority. I’ll take various calls from clients, agents and other solicitors on matters which can become urgent within 5 minutes. When I get 5 minutes down time, I enjoy catching up with my colleagues and hearing about their work and interests!

Now you have qualified, what are your career aspirations?

Professionally, I want to continue learning from those I work with and develop my understanding of my areas of practice. I want to progress in my career and be the solicitor who has a respected client base and be successful in my areas of practice.

After your long drive home from the office, what do you like to do to relax?

I am a Beaver Scout leader (which doesn’t really involve me relaxing!), I enjoy attending concerts by my favourite bands and I sing and do bell ringing at my local church. I also undertake charity work and like a good old hike. I keep myself busy!

My word, you do! A few thoughtful questions for you now! If you could tell your 15 year old self something, what would it be?

Enjoy every moment of what’s to come as it goes too quick! And live by the mantra ‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!’

Who do you admire in the business world?

Lord Sugar- I get addicted to The Apprentice when it’s on TV.

I‘m surprised you have time to watch TV! If you could be someone else for the day, who would it be?

The Prime Minister - being the leader of the country and the person in the know plus an audience with the Queen would be very fascinating.

Finally, just a reminder to you co –workers… Tea or coffee and how do you take it?

I am very traditional - Coffee with milk in the morning. Tea with milk in the afternoon!

Thanks for taking time out to chat to us Matt. We’ll let you get back to all the telephone messages! We wish you all the best for the future.

Twitter Latest

“Partner Amy Norman hosted the @CNWLawSociety annual dinner last Friday and was very pleased to welcome… https://t.co/XGz26VqLDJ” last week“@EMLtd @MessengerNews_ @NorthernPwrUPS @Vitality_UK @msimplemortgage @MiniMeMarketing @altichamber And you too. Goo… https://t.co/ndv26jP7OQ” last week“RT @ButcherBarlow: We are looking for an experienced residential conveyancer to work within and build the already impressive residential pr…” about 2 weeks ago